Despite the lifting of restrictions, the North Bay Public Library will continue with curbside service for the foreseeable future, likely until at least Labour Day.
“We still have interior re-construction taking place,” said Ravil Veli, Library CEO in a news release. “We may be ready to reopen around Labour Day.”
The Ontario government recently announced Phase Three provincial openings which include public libraries, however, because of ongoing interior work at the North Bay library, requirements for social distancing are not possible. “We understand the public is eager for us to open,” said Veli, “but we will do so only when we are able to implement the necessary protocols for the safety of our staff, volunteers, and patrons.”
Interior work includes the installation of protective glass barriers in public service areas and plexiglass partitions in staff work areas.
Enhanced cleaning protocols have been implemented and a full cleaning of the facility will be needed once all interior construction is complete.
Curbside service, according to Veli, has been a success with significant uptake.
“We were pleasantly surprised by the community response to curbside service,” said Veli. “In these first weeks, we have been filling increasing numbers of requests for materials. The system we have in place ensures minimal, to no, direct contact with patrons and returned materials are quarantined for 72 hours before being put back into circulation.”
Veli told CKAT that the library is getting a lot of repeat customers.
"Most of the people who come to the door are so delighted that the service is available and they can get the books and materials they like because they'd been going without for so long during the COVID crisis."
